New Harmony is a small town in Southern Indiana noted for both its modern and 19th century architecture. It was first occupied by groups of people who hoped to build utopian communities.
The town was founded in 1814 by a group of 800 called the Harmonie Society. Led by George Rapp, these German immigrants held unique ideas about Christianity and the Bible, including belief in communal living, a shared economy, and the imminent second coming of Christ. The Harmonists were noted for producing goods that were sold across the United States and Europe, and which were widely praised for their quality. The Harmonists also constructed many buildings and other structures that were more advanced then most other other frontier towns of the time.
In 1825, Rapp sold New Harmony and all of its buildings to Robert Owen and William Maclure. The Harmonists left Indiana and moved to Pennsylvania where they founded another town, called Economy.
Robert Owen was a noted businessman, geologist, and social reformer who was born in Wales and had a home and business in Scotland. He believed in communal living and the abolishment of personal property in much the same way as the Harmonists. However, his vision was not founded on religion but instead was based on free education and modern science. He bought New Harmony in the hope that it would bring his ideas to life.
While Owen was able to attract many scientists and reformers to New Harmony, and gained an important financial ally in William Maclure, the economy of New Harmony during this period was mostly a failure. Unlike the Harmonists, the Owen group didn't have a good mix of skilled workers and quickly began to consume more than they produced. Owen and Maclure quickly began to squabble over money, and soon abandoned the communal project.
Though neither utopian vision was fulfilled at New Harmony, the community did endure after 1827. It was known as an intellectual and artistic center of the early west.
Sites to See
Harmonie State Park
Nearly 3,500 acres. This state park has a nature center, cabins, primitive and modern camping, hiking trails, bike trails, fishing, a boat ramp (Wabash River), and a swimming pool.
Harmonist Labyrinth
The original was built by the Harmonists, while this labyrinth was built using the original design. The labyrinth is meant to express the Harmonists' conception of the journey of spiritual fulfillment.
Roofless Church
An interdenominational church with a modernist aesthetic.
Rapp-Owen Granary
Built by the Harmonists. This building now hosts many events including concerts and wedding receptions.
Thralls Opera House
Built by the Harmonists. This building was originally a multi-family dwelling, but became a theater during the post communal phase of New Harmony's history.
Atheneum
A modern architectural triumph that has won many awards. The building houses New Harmony's visitor center.
Working Men's Institute
The oldest continuously operated library in Indiana (1838). Also contains an historic archive and a 19th century museum. This building was constructed in 1894.
Church Park
Built on the location of the original Harmonist churches. This park has an entrance modeled after the entrance from the Harmonist church. It also has a modern sculpture in the center of the park.
Paul Tillich Park
This park includes a labyrinth that symbolizes the ideas of the late theologian Paul Tillich.
1775 Double Log Cabin
Built well before the Rapp led the Harmonists to Southern Indiana, this cabin represents the rustic frontier homes of the period.
West Street Log Cabins
None of these cabins were built in New Harmony, but instead were either moved from elsewhere or reconstructed using period correct techniques. None of the original Harmonist log cabins remain because they used them as temporary structures, tearing them down to reuse the wood when they were ready to build more permanent structures.
David Lenz House
Typical of the permanent homes built by the Harmonists. Constructed between 1819 and 1822.
New Harmony- Southern Indiana
History
New Harmony is a small town in Southern Indiana noted for both its modern and 19th century architecture. It was first occupied by groups of people who hoped to build utopian communities.
The town was founded in 1814 by a group of 800 called the Harmonie Society. Led by George Rapp, these German immigrants held unique ideas about Christianity and the Bible, including belief in communal living, a shared economy, and the imminent second coming of Christ. The Harmonists were noted for producing goods that were sold across the United States and Europe, and which were widely praised for their quality. The Harmonists also constructed many buildings and other structures that were more advanced then most other other frontier towns of the time.
In 1825, Rapp sold New Harmony and all of its buildings to Robert Owen and William Maclure. The Harmonists left Indiana and moved to Pennsylvania where they founded another town, called Economy.
Robert Owen was a noted businessman, geologist, and social reformer who was born in Wales and had a home and business in Scotland. He believed in communal living and the abolishment of personal property in much the same way as the Harmonists. However, his vision was not founded on religion but instead was based on free education and modern science. He bought New Harmony in the hope that it would bring his ideas to life.
While Owen was able to attract many scientists and reformers to New Harmony, and gained an important financial ally in William Maclure, the economy of New Harmony during this period was mostly a failure. Unlike the Harmonists, the Owen group didn't have a good mix of skilled workers and quickly began to consume more than they produced. Owen and Maclure quickly began to squabble over money, and soon abandoned the communal project.
Though neither utopian vision was fulfilled at New Harmony, the community did endure after 1827. It was known as an intellectual and artistic center of the early west.
Sites to See
Harmonie State Park
Nearly 3,500 acres. This state park has a nature center, cabins, primitive and modern camping, hiking trails, bike trails, fishing, a boat ramp (Wabash River), and a swimming pool.
Harmonist Labyrinth
The original was built by the Harmonists, while this labyrinth was built using the original design. The labyrinth is meant to express the Harmonists' conception of the journey of spiritual fulfillment.
Roofless Church
An interdenominational church with a modernist aesthetic.
Rapp-Owen Granary
Built by the Harmonists. This building now hosts many events including concerts and wedding receptions.
Thralls Opera House
Built by the Harmonists. This building was originally a multi-family dwelling, but became a theater during the post communal phase of New Harmony's history.
Atheneum
A modern architectural triumph that has won many awards. The building houses New Harmony's visitor center.
Working Men's Institute
The oldest continuously operated library in Indiana (1838). Also contains an historic archive and a 19th century museum. This building was constructed in 1894.
Church Park
Paul Tillich Park
1775 Double Log Cabin
West Street Log Cabins
David Lenz House
*Much of the information on this page was taken from USI's New Harmony Web Site and Wikipedia's New Harmony Page